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>> A Seattle high school football team the latest to embrace a silent protest against racial injustice, started by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Players and coaches from Garfield High School Friday night knelt during the national anthem before their game against West Seattle High School, according to local media.>> If these kids can be courageous enough to do this as kids, and they're leading by example, what impact can you have?

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We respect people in the Armed Forces, the Army, the Navy. Again, we can't say it any clearer than that. This is not a disrespectful movement. And I think that's kind of a smokescreen not to deal with the issues.>> This comes after Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers' number two quarterback refused to stand during the national anthem, setting off a debate about race relations and policing.

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Other students across the nation have also adopted this protest, including football players in New Jersey and Maryland. The Star Spangled Banner is a target of protest in part because it's rarely performed third verse celebrates the defeat of slaves who fought with the British during the War of 1812.

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>> I don't know if they really understand why they're doing it. I feel that they're just kind of emulating the professional players they've seen do it.>> According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, while most Americans think Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the anthem is unpatriotic, they do support his right to free speech.